Many inflatable boat owners like to upgrade their SIBs either aesthetically or mechanically. As a first upgrade, I always recommend the installation of a hydrofoil on your outboard motor. It has numerous advantages, makes your motorized boat faster & safer, and best of all, it is cheap.
What is a hydrofoil?
A hydrofoil is a lifting surface in the form of a foil, which is operated in water. It bears similar appearance and purpose as airfoils, which are actually the wings of an airplane.
Boats and watercraft that have hydrofoils installed are termed as hydrofoils.
The term Hydrofoil actually refers to the wing-like structure fastened on struts below the hull of the boat. This feature elevates the hull of the boat a little out of the water during forward motion to reduce the drag on it.
In theory, hydrofoil technology increases fuel efficiency and speed in boats during operation, by stablizing them and getting them on plane quickly. Read more
Before going on the water, it is important to check and inspect your inflatable boat to guarantee that there are no leakages, punctures, or damage that may result in mishaps during your boating trip.
However, accidents do happen:
- You drop your utility knife while fishing.
- Your dog’s claws puncture the boat.
- A shark takes a bit out of your boat.
Anything is possible. Except for the last one 🙂
Punctures and leaks can be very alarming away from shore, but thankfully they rarely happen.
Nevertheless, it’s good to have a little knowledge about how to keep the inflatable boat afloat whilst heading towards safety. Read more
A lot of people buy an inflatable boat as their main boat, but there are instances where you might want to tow your inflatable boat using your mother boat.
Whether you’re using your dinghy as a tender for your main boat, because of a mechanical failure or inability to stow your boat aboard the larger vessel, it’s a good idea to know how to properly tow a dinghy.
Towing might seem relatively simple and easy, looking at it from afar. Just tie a knot and tow. However, it does take careful preparation to ensure the success of the entire operation, otherwise, you will end up damaging your dinghy and possible your mother ship.
Here is a complete guide on how to properly tow your inflatable boat. Read more
A life vest, also known as life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD), is considered fundamental safety gear for fishing, boating, and other various water sports.
It is designed to keep one’s head above the water to prevent drowning. It is a must-have onboard your boat, but remember that it’s not enough to just stow it nearby during a trip or an operation!
Most drowning accidents occur even when life vests are available nearby, but victims chose not to wear them because they know how to swim.
Here are some frightening statistics on why you should always use life-vests:
- The majority of people who drown are able swimmers.
- Most drownings happen in inland waters, only 10% happen out at sea.
- Out of all the drowning fatalities that happen, 85% of the victims do not wear a PFD.
- A child can drown in 20 seconds.
It is necessary for boat owners to register their boats to legally operate them within a state. However, every state has different conditions and requirements for boat registration. Specifications on the type of watercraft that needs to be registered vary from state to state as well.
Do I need to register my inflatable boat?
Technically, yes.
However, some states do not require inflatable boats to be registered or to bear registration numbers. Policies and rules vary in each state, so it’s best to check the laws concerning boat registration in the state that you live in to know if you need to register your inflatable watercraft.
You will find links to all state laws below. Read more
Let’s face it. Getting into an inflatable boat in deep water is hard.
If you’ve had trouble getting back to your boat after you went for a swim or after accidentally falling into the water, you should consider making/getting a boarding ladder, aka swim ladder
If you have a boarding ladder, you can hop into the water with confidence that you’ll be able to return to your boat safely. Read more
Most inflatable boats, SUPs, and kayaks include a pump in their packaging upon purchase.
But, let’s face it. Yes, they can get the job done, but most of these pumps are not as powerful or effective in inflating your inflatables.
So if you’re thinking of upgrading your pump to one with higher performance, look no further. I have researched 7 of the best electric and manual pumps available in today’s market, along with some great tips about inflating your boats, dinghies, SUPs, and kayaks.
Types of Pumps
As you may already know, there are two types of pumps you can use for pumping air into your inflatables.
- Electric Pumps
- Manual Pumps
Both of these pumps have their own advantages and disadvantages. But to give you an idea about their features and uses, let us discuss each type further. Read more
Most boat owners would agree that launching boats into the water down the beach or down the boat ramp is not an easy task. Just imagine how grueling it is to haul the entire boat along with your extra gear (motor, cooler batteries, etc.) on your own.
There is a great solution though: installing launch wheels on your SIB!
Installing launch wheels on your inflatable boat is really just an application that makes use of a simple mechanism which utilizes mechanical advantage to multiply force. (Yes, that’s basically straight from your Physics textbook back in high school.)
Simply put, these launch wheels can make everything simpler and much easier. Read more
Have you been wanting to have fun with the whole family without having to go too far? That’s basically why we have swimming pools in our backyards. Whether you want to throw a party or you just want spend some quality time with your loved ones, swimming pools are ‘the place to be’ 🙂
Most birthday parties, reunions and simple get-togethers with friends and family are often held in a swimming pool. It is one of the best places to relax, socialize, and cool you down during the hot summer season.
To make your pool time even more fun, it’s a good idea to get some inflatable pool toys, rafts, floaties.
There is a wide variety of inflatable boats and floats to choose from. In this article, I will be looking at fun inflatable boats you could use in a swimming pool.
Take your swimming pool experience to the next level with these fun, colorful and rideable inflatable boats. Read more
In today’s inflatable boat market, there are numerous models and types of SIBs. New ones are introduced regularly as well. They may have the same construction material or composition, but manufacturers continue to claim features and upgrades that make their boats appealing.
In this sea of marketing ploys, it is hard to make a choice.
This is the reason why I have prepared an article on the best inflatable boats for every need. Pouring all my knowledge and experience into this article, you get a chance to read reviews of the best and most popular inflatable boats and, of course, things you have to consider before buying one, as there is no 1 size fits all. Read more